Upon hearing Liu Qianqian’s words.

Yun Ze couldn’t help but laugh, shaking his head. “Qianqian, you’re too naive… Even if Prince Pingxi did things he shouldn’t have done in a muddle-headed state that night, later on, he even raised the children. And now he’s allowing Chu’er to spend time with the two children—the deeper the mother-child bond, the more advantageous it is for him… In fact, he’s fully aware of the evil he’s done and is step by step forcing the Yun family onto his boat.”

“I feel Prince Pingxi is not that kind of person.” Liu Qianqian supported her belly as she sat down. “Previously, when Chu’er was injured and staying at the Yun family residence, Prince Pingxi came to visit several times. I could tell that Prince Pingxi has feelings for Chu’er.”

“Chu’er is the number one beauty in the capital. Which man doesn’t have feelings for Chu’er? Even a beast like Xie Jingyu had a place for Chu’er in his heart.” Yun Ze supported his wife’s shoulder. “You’re pregnant now and have maternal feelings, so when you look at anyone, you see them in a good light. This isn’t your fault.”

Liu Qianqian furrowed her delicate brows. “Is that so?”

“Actually—” She hesitated before speaking. “On the premise of not harming the children, there’s actually a very simple way to bring them back to your side.”

Yun Chu immediately pressed her. “Sister-in-law, please speak quickly.”

“It’s just…” She sighed. “You’re now a widow. Although it’s improper for a widow to remarry, this dynasty has not explicitly forbidden it. If you marry over there and become Princess Pingxi, all problems would be resolved.”

Yun Chu was utterly astonished.

She had never considered this path…

Yun Ze immediately rejected it. “If a Yun family daughter marries into the prince’s residence, then the Yun family would openly be part of Prince Pingxi’s faction. Wouldn’t that be exactly what he plotted? He harmed Chu’er to this extent, yet our Yun family would still help him reach that position. This would be the greatest humiliation for both the Yun family and Chu’er.”

Liu Qianqian didn’t speak further.

Regarding matters concerning Yun Chu, she could offer some suggestions, but once it involved the court’s succession struggle, it was not something she, a woman, could participate in.

She changed the topic. “Let’s eat first.”

The group walked toward the flower hall for dining.

Lin Shi had been waiting for a while and looked toward Yun Chu. “Chu’er, why don’t you move back home to live?”

Yun Chu spoke with a smile. “I bought a courtyard in Yulin Alley behind the Yun family residence. After I leave the Xie family, I’ll move in there. Then I’ll come home to mooch meals every day. As long as Mother doesn’t find me annoying.”

“You and your ways, money burning a hole in your pocket.” Lin Shi looked disapproving. “The courtyard you lived in before marriage has always been kept for you. Why waste this money?”

Yun Chu didn’t argue with her mother about this and happily began eating.

After the family finished their meal, they heard a servant report: “Prince Pingxi has arrived and went to the Old General’s courtyard.”

Yun Ze’s expression immediately darkened. “What is he looking for Grandfather for?”

He stood up and walked toward Old General Yun’s courtyard.

“What’s wrong with your elder brother?” Lin Shi was startled. “Why does he look like he’s about to fight with Prince Pingxi? I’ll go take a look.”

Yun Chu also worried that Elder Brother wouldn’t be able to control his temper and would make a scene.

She quickly stood up and followed along with Lin Shi.

Before even entering the Old General’s courtyard, Yun Chu heard hearty laughter.

“Prince Pingxi, you’re an excellent lad!” Old General Yun patted Chu Yi’s shoulder. “The number one bandit of Jiangnan, entrenched in Dongshan for over twenty years—who would have thought you’d subdue him with one move, and without losing a single soldier. Marvelous, truly marvelous!”

“I am your junior. Old General, just call me by my name.” Chu Yi positioned himself extremely humbly. “I came to consult with the Old General about the Battle of Maple Forest from over thirty years ago. I heard the Old General used two thousand troops to repel thirty thousand enemy cavalry and recaptured the lost city. I wonder what strategy the Old General used?”

When Old General Yun talked about battlefield matters, he was absolutely unstoppable, very willing to share his experience in leading troops to war.

Chu Yi listened attentively, occasionally throwing in a word or two of praise, delighting the Old General immensely.

The Grand Secretary had told him that day that it was precisely because he obtained his father-in-law’s approval that the father-in-law later married his daughter to him.

He could follow the same method.

Although things with Yun Chu hadn’t progressed to that step yet, gaining the Yun family’s favor in advance would definitely not be wrong.

As the two were talking, the Yun family mother and two children walked in.

Yun Ze’s gentle eyes forcefully suppressed his rage, coldly gazing at Chu Yi.

Chu Yi sensed an unusual atmosphere and looked at Yun Ze with some surprise. “Lord Yun, what’s this about?”

Yun Ze lowered his eyelids, concealing the emotions in his eyes. “Grandfather’s health is poor. I was just worried about Grandfather’s condition. I meant no offense to Your Highness.”

Old General Yun yawned. “Indeed, I am a bit tired. I’m going to sleep. You young people go talk.”

Chu Yi walked outside and looked toward Lin Shi. “Madam Yun, a few days ago I happened to obtain a bottle of Snow Skin Jade Muscle Cream, specially made for women over forty. I brought it especially to give to Madam Yun.”

He took a white bottle from the attendant behind him and handed it to Lin Shi.

Lin Shi was a woman, and what woman doesn’t love beauty? Regardless of whether this thing was useful, since Prince Pingxi had specially brought it, she naturally accepted it.

Yun Ze sneered coldly.

Using these things to win over the Yun family—could that erase the harm done to Chu’er? Could it make the Yun family willingly help him seize the throne? Simply dreaming.

“Lord Yun.” Chu Yi looked at him and spoke. “I heard that Young Madam Yun is six months pregnant. I specially obtained a prescription from Imperial Physician Li that can help a woman give birth smoothly and ensure the safety of both mother and child. It should be taken once every three days starting one month before delivery.”

He handed a prescription slip into Yun Ze’s hands.

The cold sneer on Yun Ze’s face disappeared.

This was an imperial court secret formula that only members of the imperial family could obtain.

The Yun family had high position and great power. If they humbled themselves to request it from the Emperor, the Emperor should grant it.

But that would require going all out to obtain it.

And now, Prince Pingxi had delivered the secret formula right before his eyes.

He had absolutely no way to refuse.

Lin Shi was already beaming as she accepted it. “Thank you, Your Highness. If there’s anything Your Highness needs from our Yun family, just say the word.”

Chu Yi’s face was utterly frank. “Lord Yun and I are the closest of friends. There’s no need to thank me for such a small matter.”

Yun Ze twitched his lips.

At most they were acquaintances; calling them friends would be stretching it. When did such a deep friendship form?

Closest of friends—he truly admired that this person could say such words.

Only then did Chu Yi dare to look toward Yun Chu. After just one glance, he said, “I came to visit the Old General. I won’t disturb you further. I take my leave.”

By evening, Yun Chu would come to pick up the two children to dine together. There would be plenty of opportunity to talk then.

After he left, Lin Shi was somewhat surprised. “Prince Pingxi brought all these gifts and just left like that. Why do I feel something’s not quite right?”

Yun Ze didn’t answer.

Chu’er had already decided to leave the Xie family. He absolutely would not let Chu’er step into another wolf’s den.

He needed to think carefully about how to bring the two nephews back to Chu’er’s side…